Review: Guitar Passions - Sharon Isbin & Friends

Sharon Isbin, a classical guitarist of considerable talent, has released Guitar Passions as her latest in a string of recordings. Her last, the best-selling, 2010 Grammy-winning Sony Masterworks debut, Journey To The New World (2009), is an engaging collection of songs that include the English folk gem “Greensleeves” and the seven-part "Joan Baez Suite."

On her latest, Sharon Isbin follows the path of awe-struck appreciation and focuses on those that are guitar heroes to her. These heroes are varied and include rock
guitarist, Steve Vai, who also plays with her on “Allegro.” Other guests on this “and Friends” album include Stanley Jordan, Romero Lubambo, Steve Morse, and even Nancy Wilson of Heart, who lends her assistance with a song from her own catalog, “Dreamboat
Annie” by not only playing guitar but providing vocals as well.

The album is a celebration of wonderful guitar-oriented songs. With a studied approach and a Latin flavor, Guitar Passions is not only a fun time with respected friends; it
is a beautiful collection of guitar tracks that are warm and pleasant. Like old friends.

Matt Rowe began his life with an AM radio, listening to anything that was considered music. Since, he has labored intently to build a collection of music, paring it down, rebuilding, and refining as he sees fit. His decided goal is to keep up with new music by panning for the nuggets among literal mountains…